The holidays are a magical time filled with cherished traditions and fun activities that bring us together and create lasting memories. Every community has traditions and annual holiday events. Wherever you call home, we encourage you to participate in your local activities. Find out what events are happening in your area and make a plan to attend – holiday traditions and activities always make the season a little brighter. Whether you’re in Charlotte, NC, or another city, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. Here in Charlotte, the holiday spirit comes alive with local favorites like The Nutcracker performed by Charlotte Ballet, the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s Winter Wonderland with ice skating and hot cocoa, or the vibrant Uptown Holiday Market from December 4–7. A trip to the Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field offers holiday lights, skating, tubing and a market, while a drive to McAdenville (Christmas Town USA) dazzles with one of the most spectacular light displays in the region. For a serene experience, visit Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s “Holidays at the Garden” to enjoy breathtaking lights and seasonal decorations. Not in Charlotte? No problem! Many cities host similar events, such as local markets, light shows, and cultural performances. Check your community calendars to find your own regional holiday treasures. Beyond attending local events, embracing at-home traditions makes the holidays even more special. We have listed a few of our annual traditions, but there are countless ways to get in the holiday spirit. For some a polar plunge may be a favorite activity, for others it may be shopping or hosting an annual white elephant party. For us, it’s a time to gather with loved ones and watch classic Christmas movies, bake cookies, decorate gingerbread houses, or put on some holiday music and trim the tree. All of these simple yet meaningful traditions truly make the season brighter. And don’t forget about our Christmas Acts of Kindness Challenge—we encourage you to perform a random act of kindness each week during the holiday season. We hope festive holiday traditions and activities brighten the season everywhere. So, whatever activities you choose, we hope you find joy in spending time together with friends and family. We encourage you to find a balance of local adventures, RAKs, and cozy, at-home traditions to make this year’s holiday season unforgettable.
Festive Infusion Jars: The Perfect DIY Gift for the Holidays
Looking for a unique and thoughtful cocktail gift for the holidays? Infusion jars are a wonderful way to combine creativity and flavor into a present that friends will love. This year, we’ve created three delightful variations—Spicy Snowman, Comfort & Joy, and Good Tidings—each with its own festive flair and simple ingredients. We think these festive infusion jars are the perfect DIY friend gift for the holidays. Creating these jars is as easy as gathering a few pantry staples and following our step-by-step guide. We provide a detailed list of everything you’ll need, including custom tags that pair perfectly with each infusion’s theme. Whether you’re gifting to a foodie friend, family member, or a holiday hostess, these jars are sure to impress. To take it to the next level, we’ve included beautiful wrapping suggestions that add a polished and personal touch. Imagine your jars nestled in a cellophane bag, tied with a decorative ribbon, and adorned with custom label, a sprig of greenery or a custom ornament. It’s a gift that’s elevated, effortless, and oh-so festive. This holiday season, enhance your presents and wow your friends and family with infusion jars that are as thoughtful as they are practical. We think they are the perfect DIY friend gift for the holidays. With our easy instructions and styling tips, you’ll be giving a gift that’s as memorable as the holidays themselves. Gather infusion jar ingredients, jars, cellophane bags, decorative ribbons, adornments and fabric scissors. Download and print custom tags. Trim and punch hole in the tag. Place ingredients in jars according to the following recipes. Seal each jar and place inside a cellophane bag. Wrap each bag with about 12-14 inches of ribbon depending the exact jar being used. Attach specific adornments (see our list of wrapping accessories) and custom gift tags. Let the gifting begin. Spicy Snowman 2-3 dried mango pieces (depending on size of mango slices) ¼ cup dried cranberries 1-2 dehydrated orange slices 1-2 dried habanero peppers (depending on desired heat preference) 1 tsp raw sugar Comfort & Joy 1/4 cup dried cherries 1-2 dehydrated orange slices ¼ cup dried pineapple 1 tsp raw sugar Good Tidings ¼ cup dried cranberries 1 tsp. dried juniper berries 1-2 dehydrated orange slices 2-3 dried hibiscus flowers (depending on size of flowers) 1 tsp raw sugar
